FORMER Thornbury Broncos ace Mako Vunipola has been told by England national coach Eddie Jones to watch his weight.
And ex-Castle School, Thornbury, prop Vunipola, who earned 35 appearances for Bristol in 2010/11, has told of his dislike of judo after he went through sessions to help his loose play techniques.
Vunipola has been included in England’s 45-man for next month’s Autumn Test Series along with his brother, England number eight Billy.
But the giant front row, who weighs over twenty stones and is being challenged for his place by Harlequins’ Joe Marler, is ready for the challenge of cutting down on the goodies which came in a letter from Jones.
Vunipola said: “I got a letter through saying I'm in contention and I'm happy to be in contention.
"Eddie likes to keep us on our toes and everyone got the letter reminding them of what they need to do.
"My interesting bit was don't eat too much. To lose some weight."
Vunipola, 25, entered in judo sessions by the England management ahead of the opening Test against South Africa.
But the big Saracens man added: “The last time I did judo I nearly passed out! I did it at an under-18s camp. That was my first and only experience of it.
"We had to roll backwards and forwards all the time. I was heavier back in the day, so by the seventh or eighth roll I nearly passed out so they made me stop. Judo's not my game.
"It will be good for all that tackling work around the ball and for grappling at breakdown."
Both players had a big part in last Friday’s 39-0 Aviva Premiership victory for Saracens against Bristol at Ashton Gate.
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